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BARBERRY
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(Berberis vulgaris)
Top
Pick
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Other Names
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Berberry, Berberis, European Barberry, Jaundice Berry, Oregon Grape Root,
Pepperidge, Sowberry.
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Description
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Barberry is a 3 - 8 foot deciduous shrub native to North
America. The
inside of the root is yellow and the bark has a bitter taste. The leaves are oval in shape with a
soft bristly point. The small yellow flowers bloom from April through June and hang from the
branches in clusters. The bright red berries ripen during August and
September.
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Classification
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Taste
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Cooling
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Humor
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Fire
ê
Water
ê
Air
Û
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Uses/Applications
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Barberry is way under used.
It is an effective and strong antibiotic for external and
internal use. Use Barberry to correct liver function, promote bile flow, reduce an
enlarged spleen, and to strengthen and cleanse the system. Use for jaundice, hepatitis, to
reduce blood pressure, to reduce bronchial constrictions, and to reduce heart rate. It is also used
as a mild laxative.
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Combinations
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Black Root, Fringtree Bark.
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Constituents
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Alkaloids, Tannins, Berberine
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Action
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Anti-Septic, Sedative, Cholagogue, Anti-Emetic, Bitter Tonic, Laxative,
Hepatic.
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Food Values
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None
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Part Used
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Root, Stem, Berries.
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Collection
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Collect the stems and roots in early spring or late
fall. Pare off the bark from the root and stem, then dry in the
shade. Pick the ripe berries from August through
September.
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Preparation
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Decoction
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Put 1 Tsp. bark into a cup of cold water then bring to a boil for 10 to 15
minutes. Take
three times per day.
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Tincture
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Put 3 - 7 drops in a glass of water. Take three to four times per
day.
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Growing Directions
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Barberry grows easily in fertile, moist, well drained
soil. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial
shade. Start the seeds indoors. Seeds planted in fall
will germinate the following spring.
In the spring after flowering, prune and thin the
branches. In areas with cold winters be sure to shelter it from the
wind.
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History
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Barberry has had an important role in healing for more than 2500
years. The
ancient Egyptians used it to prevent plagues.
India’s Ayuvedic healers prescribed it for
dysentery. Early settler's first learned of Barberry’s therapeutic use from Native
American Indians who made a bitter brew from the root.
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Additional Information
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1. Barberry was an ingredient in the controversial Hoxsey Cancer Formula, an
alternative cancer therapy used from 1930 to 1950.
2. British researchers have isolated substances in the plant that promote the
flow of bile.
3. Another study shows that Barberry helps shrink
tumors.
4. Still another shows its anti-inflammatory qualities that may be useful in
treating arthritis.
5. Research shows Barberry contains a number of physiologically active
alkaloids.
6. One study that isolated Berberine as an active constituent proved Barberry
was more potent against bacteria than Chloramphenicol, a powerful
antibiotic.
7. Another study showed its anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory
activity.
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Cautions
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1. Eat only ripe berries.
2. Do not give to children under 2 year or the
elderly
3. High doses may cause nausea, vomiting, and hazardous drops in blood
pressure.
4. If you have heart problems do not take high doses.
5. Do not take Barberry if you are pregnant.
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Magick Information
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No magical value.
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